The UK Government has launched a new cross-government action plan designed to identify unpaid carers earlier and simplify their access to support. The plan applies to England, though proposed employment rights for unpaid carers would also cover workers in Scotland and Wales.
Key Themes and Scope
The plan brings together work across health, social care, education, benefits, and employment under three main themes: recognising unpaid carers, referring them to appropriate services, and helping them reach their potential. Nearly one in 10 people in the UK provide unpaid care, which includes looking after a relative, friend, or neighbour who is ill, disabled, older, or needs additional support.
The UK Government acknowledged that caring responsibilities can affect physical and mental health, finances, education, employment, and retirement savings.
New Digital Services and Resources
Under the plan, a new MyCarer section will be developed for the NHS App, allowing people to identify themselves as unpaid carers and, with permission, help manage appointments, prescriptions, and health information for the person they support. Testing of proxy access through the NHS App is expected before a full rollout in 2027, with the wider MyCarer service planned by 2028.
A new cross-government information page will also be created on GOV.UK to consolidate guidance for unpaid carers in one place.
Carers' Charter and Other Commitments
The UK Government is developing a Carers' Charter for England to help people recognise they are carers and understand their rights across healthcare, employment, education, and social security. Other commitments include encouraging wider use of Carer Passports in workplaces, schools, and health settings, and improving the identification of young carers.
The government will publish annual updates on progress, and a group of ministers from four departments will meet quarterly to oversee delivery. Ministers have also committed to meeting unpaid carers each year to assess whether the measures are making a difference.
Employment Rights and Benefits Reforms
The employment section includes an ongoing review of the Carer's Leave Act 2023 and consideration of paid leave for caring responsibilities. A consultation on employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children is due to close on September 1, 2026.
Changes to flexible working are expected in 2027, and employers across Great Britain with at least 250 staff may be required to produce action plans supporting work-care balance, subject to further legislation.
The action plan also refers to proposed reforms of Carer's Allowance, including replacing the existing earnings cliff edge with a taper. These measures relate to Carer's Allowance in England and Wales, distinct from Scotland's devolved Carer Support Payment.
Reaction from Carers UK
Emily Holzhausen CBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK, described the action plan as a positive step. She said: "Carers' lives do not fit neatly within the remit of a single department. The challenges they face span health, social care, employment, education, housing and welfare. Carers UK is encouraged to see a more joined-up approach, bringing government departments together to prioritise carers' needs, outline who is responsible and how progress can be tracked."
She added that annual public reporting should provide greater transparency and accountability but said further action and investment would still be needed. Ms Holzhausen said Carers UK hoped the plan would become a stepping stone towards a properly funded national carers strategy offering lasting improvements.
